The parties have until 16:00 on Monday to resolve issues that divide them - if they fail, another snap Northern Ireland Assembly election could be called, just weeks after a poll held at the start of this month.

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Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy said the talks at Stormont have reached a "critical time"

A major sticking point for the parties has been to find a way of dealing with the legacy of the Troubles.

On Friday, Sinn Féin accused the government of "kicking this can down the road" and denying "access to justice" to families of those killed in the Troubles.

But Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said there was a "duty" to deliver for them.

There are areas, he said, "where I see common ground and where I firmly believe that resolution can be achieved".

Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said a "clear picture" as to the likelihood of an agreement could soon be revealed.

He said he expected more agreement as talks enter a "critical phase" over the weekend.

But there appears to be a gulf between the government and Sinn Féin on Troubles legacy matters.

Republicans have disagreed with unionists and the government over funding for outstanding inquests into numerous high-profile Troubles murders.